What Hot Air from Your AC Might Mean

If your air conditioner surprises you by blowing hot air, you may be concerned about the need for air conditioning repairs. There are some serious issues to consider in this situation, but there are also some surprisingly simple explanations. Take a moment for air conditioner troubleshooting so that you can identify or eliminate these possibilities.

Thermostat Settings

The first issue to examine is your thermostat. An accidental switch from cooling to heating could be at the root of your problem. If you have young children who can climb or reach the thermostat, this may occur again, but being aware will alleviate the stress next time.

If your thermostat isn’t improperly set, you may want to verify that the batteries are good. At times, failing batteries can result in erratic unit performance. Try a fresh set or check their strength with a battery-testing device. It is also helpful to note that a bad thermostat could result in unpredictable behavior, an issue that may require a diagnosis by your HVAC technician.

Refrigerant Problems

Another possible explanation for hot air blowing through your system is a lack of refrigerant. Your levels should be tested during your annual AC tune-up, but a new leak could result in the evacuation of some or all of the material. To verify whether this is a problem, check your evaporator coils that are located in the air handling unit. If you notice that the coils are dry or warm to the touch, refrigerant may be an explanation for the problem. Do not continue to operate your equipment.

You will need the assistance of an HVAC professional in repairing the leak and recharging the system. This is not a DIY repair because refrigerants used in residential air conditioning equipment tend to be highly regulated. If your system is several years old and uses Freon, you may need to consider a refrigerant retrofit due to the declining availability of the material.

Duct Damage

If hot air blows through your ducts at first, followed by cold air, you may have leaks or damaged sections in your ductwork that require attention. During your AC tune-up, your technician can test air pressure at the vents to verify whether leaks could be an issue. Duct damage may also be indicated if hot air moves through when the AC isn’t in operation.

Making Maintenance a Priority

One of the best ways to head off hot air problems from your air conditioner is to be sure that you schedule an AC tune-up prior to the arrival of summer. Your cooling technician can thoroughly inspect refrigerant lines, ducts and other system components that are prone to deterioration or damage. This may avert more expensive repairs and limit the potential for system damage. Additionally, maintenance contracts often enable homeowners to save on air conditioning repairs when they are necessary.

24-Hour Emergency Services

Our friendly technicians are available 24 hours a day for your emergency service needs. Simply give Mike Merritt Heating & Air Conditioning a call, day or night, and let one of our technicians help you with your problem. We are always here to assist you.